Senior benefits in Tazewell County, Virginia

Appalachian Agency For Senior Citizens, Inc. is the Area Agency on Aging for Tazewell County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to AASC (PSA 02, headquartered at 216 College Ridge Road in the Cedar Bluff/Tazewell area) serves Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties with home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home care, care coordination, guardianship, adult day services, ombudsman, PACE, and public transportation through Four County Transit. Toll-free 800-656-2272. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-276-964-4915 to get started.

Estimated service value: $500–$6,000 a year

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Tazewell County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Tazewell County Department of Social Services, online at CommonHelp, or by phone at 1-855-635-4370. Cooling Assistance requires a household member who is 60 or older, has a disability, or is a child under 6. Fuel Assistance applications are taken each fall and Cooling Assistance each summer, while funds last.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,000 a year

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Tazewell County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. In-county hospital: Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital, 141 Ben Bolt Avenue, Tazewell, VA 24651. Carilion grants financial assistance to patients with total family income under 500% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and available assets under $100,000. For help with the application, call Carilion Billing Customer Service at 1-866-720-3742.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Tazewell County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $40,000 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $100,000 or less. Maximum exemption $300 annually; must be 65 by December 31 of the preceding year; file by March 1 annually (applications postmarked after March 1 not accepted). Limits were raised from $30,000/$75,000 by Ordinance 24-006 (adopted April 9, 2024, retroactive to Jan 1, 2024; PDF at https://tazewellcountyva.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ElderlyTaxOrdinance.pdf). disability_path is false because the county ordinance's non-elderly path covers only veterans with a permanent, total, service-related disability (separate exemption capped at $100), not permanently disabled persons generally. Apply through the local commissioner of the revenue or assessment office.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$3,000 a year

Four County Transit (Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens) serves Tazewell County with Deviated fixed route open to riders of any age; deviates up to 3/4-mile off the route by request (call 48 hours ahead). Tazewell County routes include Town of Tazewell, Town of Richlands, Richlands-Pounding Mill, Richlands-Tazewell and Tazewell-Bluefield connectors. In the Town of Bluefield, Graham Transit (Town of Bluefield) also runs 'three deviated fixed routes throughout the area each day' - 'The fare for Graham Transit is twenty-five cents.' - deviating up to 1 mile off route; 276-322-1468 (https://www.bluefieldva.org/our_services/transportation.php). Older adults and people with disabilities can use reduced fares or demand-response rides for medical appointments, shopping, and other essential trips. Rides are free or low-cost depending on the service. Call 1-276-963-1486 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year